Page:La Fontaine - The Original Fables Of, 1913.djvu/75

Rh He was the progenitor of all turn-spits in France; a variety which became common enough to form at last a race in themselves. They show more readiness to flee than to attack, and are the very antipodes of the Cæsars.

We do not always follow our ancestors, nor even resemble our fathers. Want of care, the flight of time, a thousand things, cause us to degenerate.

Ah! how many Cæsars, failing to cultivate their best nature and their gifts, become Lurchers!